Energy Mgmt Sys Admin Lead

PPL Corporation; Allentown (Lehigh County); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading utility company in Allentown is seeking a Technology Systems Manager responsible for leading the application and maintenance of transmission energy management systems. The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of experience managing high-availability, mission-critical computer systems. Key responsibilities include leading technical teams, optimizing system performance, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. This role offers the opportunity to contribute to advancements in energy technology within a supportive environment focused on continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in multi-user, multi-cluster, high-availability systems.
• Experience in technical leadership and communication.
• Knowledge of NERC Reliability Standards is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical teams in EMS and ADMS application development.
• Optimize performance of EMS systems and monitor operations.
• Interface with vendors for EMS technology needs.

Skills

Technical leadership

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor’s degree in information technology, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science or related

Tools

GE AEMS

SQL

MS Windows

Linux

Job description

Company Summary As one of the largest investor-owned utility companies in the United States, PPL Corporation (NYSE: PPL) is committed to creating long-term, sustainable value for our customers, shareowners and the communities we serve. Our high-performing regulated utilities provide an outstanding experience for our customers, consistently ranking among the best utilities in the nation. PPL’s companies invest in infrastructure and technology to create a smarter, more reliable and resilient energy grid, with a goal to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 while maintaining energy reliability and affordability. PPL supports programs and organizations that empower future generations and build strong, diverse communities today.

Overview

This position independently leads, plans, schedules, and directs the development, delivery, and maintenance of technology systems and applications for the Transmission Energy Management Control System (AEMS) and Advanced Distribution Management Control System (ADMS), in compliance with regulatory requirements. It provides quality, reliable, compliant, secure, cost-effective, and timely technology solutions, service, support and operation of the EMS and associated technology environments. The role is responsible for high-availability systems in a complex, highly regulated, mission-critical environment and oversees a team provisioning operational technology platforms for PPL's Operations Control Centers. The position is accountable for the technical quality of the team’s output and is expected to continuously improve capabilities. It includes configuration and technical support of complex system inter-functionality/administration and activities within the Transmission AEMS and Distribution ADMS control LAN, such as application development and support, EMS vendor database administration, RPCs, SQL queries, report writing, systems design, calculations, MS Windows, Linux, OS patching, backup-recovery, high-availability platforms, and third-party products.

Responsibilities

• Lead, direct and/or assist with organizing and prioritizing work group activities, assigning and/or scheduling work duties to meet required completion dates.
• Provide technical leadership, lead technical training and coaching of team members on new technology, processes, and procedures.
• Develop leadership skills and coordinate technical training aspects for self and group members.
• Work with other departments on cross-functional technical and business teams, working groups or committees to achieve goals and objectives of the department and company.
• Assist in the development of changes in methods or processes in assigned area of responsibility and make recommendations for implementation.
• Translate operational needs of control centers into technical requirements for supported applications.
• Optimize operation of EMS and related computer systems through continuous monitoring of performance, database updates, and identification and correction of deteriorating performance.
• Maintain current knowledge of technical aspects of the transmission and distribution systems and their advancements, including EMS data, through study, development, and vendor engagement.
• Be part of the EMS team and work with Critical Infrastructure Protection groups to provide planning, configuration, growth, backup/recovery and system performance.
• Lead EMS technology evaluation, planning, analysis, design, implementation, maintenance, and control of server-class databases.
• Provide in-house technical expertise, evaluations, and recommendations requiring expert knowledge of the Bulk Electric System grid and related databases, calculations, monitoring, and controls technology.
• Troubleshoot and resolve highly complex system problems for multi-user, high availability, mission critical EMS systems.
• Provide client and system support of technology solutions on a 24x7x365 basis, including on-call rotation; provide on-site and remote support using company tools.
• Oversee EMS administrative contractors and consultants.
• Evaluate and modify EMS applications and databases to deliver enhancements; follow software development lifecycle and company procedures for new or modified services.
• Research and analyze technical and/or business plans, designs, proposals, projects or strategies; provide results and/or recommendations to support department objectives.
• Review, revise and communicate procedures to support administrative and technical improvements; ensure policy application.
• Apply expert knowledge of networks, security, operating systems, patching, backup/recovery, and related EMS technology; continually develop skills and lead installation and maintenance of EMS software.
• Interface with vendors and service providers for the EMS system to support technology and business needs.
• Develop a high-level understanding of where operational applications fit into the IT and power system architecture.
• Assist investigations related to operational incidents and system failures/deficiencies.
• Perform special tasks, initiatives, or projects as assigned by manager.
• Performs other duties as assigned; complies with all policies and standards.

Qualifications

Required Education: Bachelor’s degree in information technology, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Business, or related discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and experience on a year-for-year basis.

Required Experience: 10+ years of experience in increasingly responsible professional experience in a multi-user, multi-cluster, high-availability, mission-critical computer systems, or an equivalent combination of education and experience on a year-for-year basis.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with GE AEMS or ADMS
• Demonstrated ability to absorb information, apply conceptual skills, solve problems in a highly technical, high-availability, high-visibility, and highly regulated environment
• Demonstrated leadership and communication skills
• Ability to adapt to rapid technology, compliance, and business changes while maintaining judgment and professionalism
• Knowledge of NERC Reliability Standards, internal compliance processes, and the Bulk Electric System
• Industry certifications in programming, security, processes, databases, networking, operating systems, auditing, and/or compliance

Work Conditions

Pennsylvania - Allentown